Washington, D.C. - Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), ranking member
of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, issued the
following statement today on a Government Accountability Office report he
commissioned on the District of Columbia's procurement practices:

"Today I am releasing a Report from the Government
Accountability Office on District of Columbia Procurement. I
requested this report as Chairman of the Government Reform Committee last
year.

"This is a scathing Report that should serve as a
wake-up call to all involved in D.C. procurement issues, and all those
who, like me, care about the health of the nation's capital.
The reform that is needed is substantial and statutory. The report
makes clear that D.C. procurement is fatally flawed, both in its structure
and execution, affecting all aspects of governance.

"The GAO is advising us that procurement in the
District of Columbia lacks 'transparency, accountability and competition'
and that in its present form it 'increases the risk of preferential
treatment for certain vendors and ultimately drives up costs.' Current
practices clearly do not reflect sound management and oversight.

"Current procurement practices are totally
unacceptable. I look forward to the District's plan to address the
critical areas touched upon. I will continue to work with the city
and all stakeholders to make the fundamental changes required."